Action 1: Support the Disability Integration Act of 2017

Direct action by members of the disability rights organization ADAPT was a key to winning the fight against TrumpCare, as activists in wheelchairs occupied Senate offices to protest Medicaid cuts that threatened existing community-based services. Now Senator Schumer has proposed a bill (S.910) that would require states and insurance companies to provide community-based services so that individuals who require assistance can remain at home and live independently rather than being forced into assisted living facilities.

As Sen. Cantwell mentioned at one of her recent town halls, in-home care has been shown to be more cost-effective than assisted living facilities, making this act an excellent way to improve Medicaid.

Disability rights have a history of being a bipartisan issue, and Republicans have at least signaled that they may be open to Democrats’ ideas after the embarrassing failure of their most recent health care effort. Call your Senators to let them know you support this idea, and let’s see where it can go!

Senator Patty Murray:DC - 202-224-2621Seattle - 206-553-5545

Senator Maria Cantwell:DC - 202-224-3441Seattle - 206-220-6400

Script:

“My name is [NAME] and I’m calling from [ZIP]. I want to express my support for the Disability Integration Act of 2017 – it is a great approach to improving Medicaid in a way that positively affects quality of life for disabled individuals while also cutting costs. I’d like to ask that Sen [name] publicly support this bill, and reach out to try to bring Republican colleagues on board.”

Background:

Action 2: Stop Pruitt from Halting Methane Rule

Good news: On Monday, a federal court ordered the EPA to enforce the Obama-era rule that sets standards for reducing methane emissions by the oil and gas industry. Under Scott Pruitt, the EPA tried to halt this rule for 90 days to buy time for a more official two-year delay with the ultimate goal of repeal.

Monday’s court order makes the informal 90-day halt illegal, but the two-year delay is still in the works. In fact, the two-year delay is currently open for public comment until August 9! In the wake of this encouraging court ruling, leave a comment to let the EPA know that delaying this methane rule is irresponsible. Click the “Comment Now!” button in the upper right corner of this site: https://www.regulations.gov/document?D=EPA-HQ-OAR-2010-0505-7736!

Background:

The rule in question requires new and modified oil and gas wells to seal methane gas leaks. Methane is a greenhouse gas and thus methane leaks contribute to climate change. Further, by sealing methane leaks as this rule requires, companies also prevent the escape of other toxic air pollutants that can cause severe health issues for people who live nearby.